The francesinha is more than just a sandwich – it’s an icon of Portuguese cuisine and a symbol of Porto. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of this dish, explore its variations, and share an authentic recipe so you can enjoy this delicacy in the comfort of your own home.
The History of Francesinha
The francesinha was created in Porto in the 1950s by emigrant Daniel da Silva. After returning from France and Belgium, Daniel wanted to adapt the croque-monsieur to the Portuguese palate. The result was a robust and spicy sandwich that quickly won over the people of Porto. Fun fact: The name "francesinha" means "little Frenchwoman" in Portuguese, a tribute to French women, known for their elegance and sensuality.
Traditional Ingredients
An authentic francesinha includes:
sliced bread
Beef steak
Sausage
Ham
Cheese
fried egg
Special sauce
The Secret Is in the Sauce
The sauce is the element that sets an exceptional francesinha apart. Each restaurant keeps its recipe under lock and key, but it usually includes:
Beer
Port Wine
Tomato
Piri-piri
Tip: The sauce should be spicy and thick, completely covering the sandwich.
Variations of the Francesinha
Although purists defend the original recipe, there are several popular variations:
Vegetarian Francesinha: Replaces meat with vegetable alternatives.
Tuna Francesinha: Swap the steak for tuna, popular in coastal areas.
Special Francesinha: Includes French fries on top or on the side.
Pica-Pau à Francesinha: A deconstructed version, served on a platter.
Authentic Francesinha Recipe
Here is a recipe to make your own francesinha at home: Ingredients (for 4 people):
8 slices of sliced bread
4 beef steaks (150g each)
4 fresh sausages
8 slices of ham
8 slices of cheese
4 eggs
For the sauce:
330ml of beer
100ml of port wine
200ml tomato pulp
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
Piri-piri to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Start by preparing the sauce: In a pan, melt the butter and add the flour. Stir well and add the beer, port wine and tomato pulp. Season with salt, pepper and chili. Let it simmer over low heat until it thickens.
Grill the steaks and sausages.
Assemble the sandwich: place a slice of bread, a slice of cheese, the steak, the sausage cut in half, two slices of ham and another slice of cheese. Cover with the second slice of bread.
Place another slice of cheese on top of the sandwich.
Place in the oven to brown the cheese.
Meanwhile, fry the eggs.
Remove the sandwich from the oven, place the fried egg on top and cover generously with the hot sauce.
Chef's Tip: Serve immediately, accompanied by fries and a cold beer!
Where to Eat the Best Francesinha in Porto
If you visit Porto, you can’t miss the opportunity to try an authentic francesinha. Some of the most famous places include:
Conclusion
Francesinha is more than just a meal – it’s a gastronomic experience that reflects the soul of Porto. Rich, comforting and full of flavour, this “little Frenchie” has won the hearts of the Portuguese and continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re planning a trip to Porto or trying to recreate this delicacy at home, francesinha promises an explosion of flavours that you won’t soon forget. Enjoy your meal!
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